Support United Way effort

December 9, 2010

Our community has experienced some tough times in the past few years. Many of your friends, neighbors and co-workers need help today that they didn’t need two or three years ago.

The United Way campaign is one of the easiest ways to help give back to our community because 100 percent of the funds raised stay here in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties and directly support programs and services provided by our 36 partner agencies.

As a employee of the United Way, I have witnessed in the past year an increased utilization of all the agencies that United Way supports. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of meals served and people helped at the local food banks, for example. I believe this increase traces back to the economic crisis that Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties and the rest of the country has experienced since late 2008.

I am passionate about this campaign because I have seen firsthand just where a large percentage of our community stands today — our neighbors are hurting. But our community has always demonstrated the willingness to volunteer and contribute to these 36 United Way agencies who serve more than 80,000 people every year — and that number continues to grow.

Our campaign has an aggressive goal — to raise $750,000 this year. To achieve this goal, we have to engage more members of our community. If you have not donated in the past, you are the one that can make a difference in the lives of your neighbors who need it most. Consider the few dollars you spend each week on coffee — that can add up to more than $200 per year. You would be amazed how many people $200 per year could help.

I could go on and on with examples, but you know where our community is today. We always have had wonderful people here in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties that truly care about their neighbors …and that is what really makes our community great.

If you have a United Way campaign at your workplace, please support it and talk up the need and value to our community to your friends, family and co-workers. If you don’t have an employee campaign but would like to give to the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc, please call 518-563-0028. You can also visit our website, www.unitedwayadk.org for more information on the 36 agencies served or to view our campaign video.